When you meet Allison Speagle, it doesn’t take long to realize she’s a natural organizer with a knack for connection. Whether she’s coordinating major events or fostering relationships with residents, Allison’s ability to juggle responsibilities shines in her role as Education Manager and Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Co-Coordinator at UNC Radiology.
“We are so excited to be promoting Allison into the position of Education Team Manager following her years of work as a co-coordinator of the Diagnostic Radiology program,” says Blair Allan, Business Operations Manager. “Anyone who has worked with Allison can attest to her kindness, patience, and attention to detail in her role. Allison is a cornerstone of not only the education team but our staff team as a whole, and she brings a positive attitude and smile to every interaction. Allison is always willing to drop what she is doing to help out a trainee or other staff member in need, and embodies the culture we strive for in our staff team and department as a whole.”
Let’s dive into Allison’s story and learn more about who she is!
From Weddings to Radiology: A Journey of Discovery
Allison’s career began with event management—a field that fit her like a glove. Armed with a degree from Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island, she started as a wedding planner and later took on catering management at a country club. But life had other plans.
“After that, I ended up at an orthodontist’s office doing front desk work, which was a surprising but pivotal step,” she recalls. “It taught me to handle busy schedules and led me to my first job at UNC.”
From classroom scheduling to diplomas in the registrar’s office, Allison honed her organizational skills across various roles at UNC. Eventually, her path led her to radiology, where she found the perfect balance of structure and connection.
“I wanted to interact with students more, and this position lets me do just that. Plus, it’s still within the School of Medicine but on a much more personal scale.”
“Allison is always ready to jump in and help out when someone else needs support,” says Gina Besaw, Diagnostic Residency Program Co-Coordinator
Event Planning Redux
Allison’s passion for planning hasn’t gone to waste. In fact, it’s central to her role in radiology.
“I organize major events like graduation and orientation, and honestly, it feels like I’m doing more event planning now than I did in my early career—except for weddings!” she jokes.
Home Sweet Hybrid
Living in North Durham, Allison works a hybrid schedule: two days in the office and three from home. Her living arrangement is as organized as her career—she shares her house with her retired parents, who live in a cozy basement apartment.
“It’s perfect. They have their space, I have mine, and it allows me to be there for them as they get older,” she explains. “As an only child, it all falls on me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Travel, Paris, and Shopping Sprees
When Allison isn’t working, she’s most likely planning her next adventure.
“Traveling is my absolute favorite thing to do. Paris is my all-time favorite place. I’ve been to Paris a few times and have fallen in love with the city more each time. People always say the French are rude, but I’ve never had that experience!”
Her bucket list? “Australia. Definitely.”
And then there’s her love for shopping. “It’s my weakness. I call it my exercise, though it’s probably more of a sport,” she laughs.
Rapid-Fire Fun
– Superpower of choice: Flying—“It’d make travel so much easier!”
– Personal chef or trainer? Chef—“I can’t cook to save my life!”
– Dream dinner guest: Her grandfather. “I’d love to learn more about his fascinating life. I didn’t get that chance before he passed.”
The Work She Loves
What Allison cherishes most about her job is the human connection.
“I love getting to know the residents and building relationships. It’s much more rewarding than just being a name on an email.”
Her favorite compliment? A heartfelt thank-you note and Edible Arrangement from an older couple she helped in a previous job. “It was so sweet and unexpected. I still have the note—it reminds me of the impact we can have, even behind the scenes.”
“Even before Allison joined our department a few years ago, we thought we would be lucky to have her join our team,” says Cody Schwartz, Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Director. “Since joining our department, that sentiment is true, but she means so much more to us. Not only is she a joy to work with, but she is the heart at the center of our educational programs. We could not do this job without her! Thank you for ALL that you do for our department and education programs.”
Wisdom to Share
When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Allison’s answer is both personal and universal:
“Don’t stress so much. Things will work out, and you don’t have to be perfect. Just do your best and let go of the things you can’t control.”
Wise words from someone who’s learned to balance a life of planning, purpose, and the occasional Parisian escape.
“Allison has been a pillar of our department since the day she started,” says Janet Zhang, PGY5 Diagnostic Resident. “She’s been instrumental in keeping our residency running smoothly. I always love stopping by her office and saying hi too–she’s very approachable and always, without fail, extremely helpful. We are so lucky to have Allison in our department!”
Thank you, Allison, for all you bring to UNC Radiology!